Our homes give us security, and we buy them to fit our current needs. Unfortunately, families are dynamic, and as children grow and other needs come up, we need more square footage than the house possesses.
Do you need to expand your house but are unsure where to start? With so much to consider and uncertain costs, it can be daunting. Here’s how to plan for home additions to get off on the right foot.
Determine Your Needs
Before starting renovations, you need to decide what you want. The addition could be for extra bedrooms, a kitchen bump out, a home office, or finishing a basement for a games room. To get the ball rolling, decide what you want to gain.
This will also help with figuring out the costs because if there are foundations to go in, that is more expensive than completing a basement. Sit down with the family and see what is most relevant to your growing needs.
Make a must-have list and a wish list with input from everyone. It’s time to prioritize what you need and want for the addition. Once you have whittled down the list to a firm decision on your addition, you are ready for the next step.
Pick the Project Space
The things you want can exist in different parts of the home or above a garage. It may also be a coach house in the backyard. Adding a second story to a home is an option but a large addition. It also doubles your space and provides several rooms to expand into.
A dormer enlarges an existing room, while a bathroom expansion offers a luxurious spa retreat. Whatever you want can be achieved, and almost any part of the home can be added to.
Construction Plans
If you are making a simple addition to the home, like knocking out a wall or finishing a basement, you can probably draw something up. You may not even need a building permit. For an extensive addition, like adding square footage with foundations and roofs, you will need a building permit and complex drawings. You will also need a home addition contractor.
This process may take some time to get right. However, you want every detail planned out, so be patient and start the building process.
Budgeting
Now that you know what you are building, your next hurdle is to estimate its cost. There are programs you can use that include costs you may not have considered. If you have a financial ceiling, use that as a starting point to determine what you can do.
Remember, you don’t have to compromise on the size of an addition because limited funds only mean you may not get all the extra finishing and furniture you were hoping for. Once you have a budget, it’s time to draw up some plans.
Decide on Materials
The beauty of adding to your home is that you have many options. Do you match the existing architecture and design or take it in a completely different direction? How about somewhere in between?
Building your home requires common materials you see in different homes. This is your chance to make your home stand out, so drive around town and look for inspiration. You can use:
- Metal
- Glass
- Concrete
- Post and beam
- Brick and stone
Finishing materials inside also need to be chosen, including flooring, countertops, windows, light fixtures, and paint. Don’t forget about furniture and decor. To make these decisions, consult with everyone living at home, including family and friends.
Decide on the Builder
Before starting your project, the final puzzle piece is to figure out who builds it. If you are a handy person with construction skills, tackle the project yourself, bringing in any trades to assist. This is especially true for plumbing and electrical, requiring professional installation.
Contact some local builders to get quotes if construction is above your pay grade or interest. Ask for references and follow up with them to learn if they are easy to work with and do high-quality work.
This is how you plan home additions. Now, it’s time to start the project. Be confident because you have done your homework and committed money to your new addition. Then, once it is done, you can enjoy the added space and function and be proud of what you have created.
